New Jersey Assistant Chief Dies, Stricken at Auto Fire

Veteran firefighter down at fire in Hillsborough

Bill Carey
15 July 2021

HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP, New Jersey – A New Jersey assistant fire chief has died after responding to an auto fire on Wednesday.

The Hillsborough Township Fire Department released a statement Wednesday on Facebook.

Assistant Chief William Shafer has responded with other firefighters to a vehicle fire. Shortly after arriving Assistant Chief Shafer experienced a medical emergency and collapsed.

Shafer was transported to RWJ Somerset Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

It was stated that Shafer had been a firefighter for over 35 years.